Auntie’s Dumpling
CHINESE
68 KOORNANG ROAD, CARNEGIE
(03) 9568 6641 • MAP P.303
LICENSED
OPEN TUES & WED 5.30PM–9.30PM, THURS–MON 11AM–9.30PM
ENTREES $2.80–$7.50, MAINS $7.50–$12.80
NO BOOKINGS
CASH ONLY
If you’re in Carnegie and like Chinese food, then Auntie’s Dumpling is a good option, although you should be prepared to wait. It’s a completely no-frills cafe, from the purely functional tables and chairs (tightly fitted together for maximum use of space) to the service, which is abrupt – but entirely understandable when you consider how hard they’re all working. With a steady trade in takeaway orders and the quick turnover of eat-in patrons, it might be an idea to install a revolving door. There’s also an almost constant line of people waiting for a table – this place is popular. The food is filling and tasty, though there’s nothing really remarkable about it. The menu offers variety, but dishes differ only slightly and are standard Chinese fare. The selection of dumplings consists mainly of the meat varieties (and a vegetarian/seafood option), either steamed or fried. While there’s no wow factor, Auntie’s Dumpling offers decent Chinese food at a very low price.
Basque
SPANISH
159 CHAPEL STREET, WINDSOR
(03) 9533 7044 • MAP P.293
LICENSED
OPEN MON–THURS 10AM–11PM, FRI & SAT 8AM–1AM SMALL DISHES $4–$18, MAINS $32–$39, DESSERTS $11–$13, DEGUSTATION $49
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
The Windsor end of Chapel Street is one of the best straights in Melbourne. It manages to take on the very best of the city’s foodie culture, while maintaining a humble, rugged cool that evaporates as soon as the High Street threshold is crossed. Basque personifies this mix as well as any nearby eatery. A rustic, tactile celebration of Basque country, the atmosphere is warm and unassuming, made all the warmer by intimate service and a vibrant (often live) flamenco soundtrack. The tapas here is fantastic – it’s hard to take a wrong turn: the salt and pepper squid is cooked to crispy perfection, while the baked goat’s cheese is served with a tomato marmalade that begs to be tasted over and over again. The range of Spanish house wine is rich and paired perfectly with the dishes on offer. For something more substantial, the vegetarian paella is slow-cooked and worth every minute of the agonising wait, and its seafood-rich cousin (with clams, mussels, calamari, fish and prawns) is to die for.
Ecoblu
ITALIAN
346 ORRONG ROAD, CAULFIELD NORTH
(03) 9527 9599 • MAP P.303
LICENSED
OPEN MON–SAT 8AM–11PM, SUN 8.30AM–11PM
ENTREES $9–$12.50, MAINS $16–$25, DESSERTS $7–$10
VISA, MC, EF TPOS
With the whopping wood-fire oven sitting omnipresent in its entrance, Ecoblu makes no effort to hide its intentions. Fashionable, fresh gourmet pizza is the go here. The napoli sauce used as the base for the majority of Ecoblu’s creations is made fresh in-house, and sets the wheels in motion for what is a damn fine pizza. Though they use non-descript naming conventions like ‘eco1’ and ‘eco7’, the menu is loaded with character and neat touches. ‘eco6’ is a nice take on calabrese, with the kalamata olives and pesto making for a fragrant, tactile pizza. There’s not much space to sit, but the vibe is relaxed enough – an organic, refined twist on the local pizzeria. Away from the wood-fire oven, there’s a broad menu of risottos (the prawn is tantalising), soups and pleasantly presented focaccia, but let’s not kid – there’s one reason to visit Ecoblu, and it hits you the moment you walk through the door.
Hoa Tran
VIETNAMESE/CHINESE
246A SPRINGVALE ROAD, SPRINGVALE
(03) 9547 7879 • MAP P.275
BYO
OPEN DAILY 9AM–9PM
ENTREES $7.50–$8, MAINS $8.50–$26, DESSERTS $3.50–$5.50
VISA, MC, EFTPOS
Expect a seat within seconds of entering Hoa Tran. Once you’ve found the eatery tucked at the rear of Springvale Road, you’ll be greeted with speedy service and a short wait for both eating in and takeaway orders. Deciding what to order is the only time-consuming aspect of a visit here, with an extensive menu boasting Vietnamese, Chinese, Cambodian and Cantonese dishes. A smart move is to choose from the congee, sizzling or special dishes categories, but other notable meals include the roasted half-duck and the fish stir-fry. Adding to the decision time is a plethora of drinks choices. The lychee smoothie tops the list but don’t be afraid to try the condensed milk with egg and orange juice for something different. The atmosphere is bright, simple and welcoming, and the dining area is often full of noise, thanks to regulars happy to return, but large enough to always have a free table. In an area thick with similar restaurant choices, Hoa Tran has earned a name for its consistent service and fast, authentic food.
Indian Harvest
INDIAN
111 WAVERLEY ROAD, MALVERN EAST
(03) 9571 0472 • MAP P.303
LICENSED & BYO, CORKAGE $2 A HEAD
OPEN DAILY 5PM–10PM
ENTREES $6–$12, MAINS $11–$26, DESSERTS $5
ALL MAJOR CARDS ACCEPTED
Indian Harvest’s longtime chef and owner Amarjit Wahi claims more than two decades of experience around the world with premium Indian cuisine, and, most famously, to have cooked for luminaries including Prince Charles. If you’re ravenous for familiar, tender northern Indian staples, this is, indeed, a (humble) feed fit for royalty. Set on busy Waverley Road, this traditional eatery has all the heart and soul of an endearing local, even if the decor is a little lacking. It’s charmingly crowded, with takeaway as popular as the bustling dining experience. And it really is an experience best shared – the generous serves and relaxed vibe make this an ideal spot for group meals, though be sure to book for busier periods. Cuts of meat here are premium and tender, elevating classics like the chicken tikka masala and a well-spiced beef vindaloo to their finest form. If you’re looking for an authentic, spicy curry, be sure to ask, as the dishes play it on the safer side of the palate.
Indosari
INDONESIAN
1165 GLENHUNTLY ROAD, GLENHUNTLY
(03) 9563 6718 • MAP P.303
UNLICENSED
OPEN MON–SAT NOON–9PM MAINS $6–$11 NO BOOKINGS
CASH ONLY
Let’s be clear. Indosari will never make it onto anyone’s ‘mustdo’ list of culinary experiences. The diner, situated close to a train station and an adult store, has a humble fit-out. The thing Indosari does have going for it is generous meals done cheaply. There’s no menu (price depends upon the number of selections made) and all dishes are served over steamed rice or noodles. Simply point at whatever looks good from their half-dozen bain-maries. The deeply savoury, tender beef rendang is a good start, while a coconutty jackfruit curry would be subtle enough for kids or the unadventurous. Chilli-flecked eggplant or spiced fried potatoes with green beans make good options for vegetarians. While a mid-week visit may prove lacklustre, Saturdays are popular – that’s when they fire up the giant pots and woks behind the counter to extend the range of choices to more Indonesian specialities. Then there’s Indosari’s famed ‘yellow rice’. It’s something of a mystery as to what makes it yellow but when it tastes this good for just a dollar extra you don’t ask.
Kathmandu Kitchen
NEPALESE
1294 MALVERN ROAD, MALVERN
(03) 9822 0990 • MAP P.303
LICENSED & BYO
OPEN TUES–FRI NOON–2.30PM, 5.30PM–10.30PM, SAT & SUN 5.30PM–10.30PM
ENTREES $7–$8, MAINS $11–$18, DESSERTS $5–$6
VISA, MC, AMEX
Restaurants like Kathmandu Kitchen are among the real perks of living in Melbourne – tiny local eateries offering food from every country on earth. This cosy little restaurant in a small shopping strip in Melbourne’s south-east offers Nepalese food – a cuisine similar to Indian food, but with more mild and sour tastes that allow the spices to take centre stage. Of course, the authenticity of the extensive menu might be questionable, given Nepal lives mostly on daal bhat and pickles, but it’s always nice to see a cuisine flourish in an over-resourced country. With its cheery red walls, black velvet paintings, lanterns and a dining room that’s packed out on a Monday, Kathmandu Kitchen also has a bustling open takeaway area. The goat curry is fantastic and, while the samosas are just samosas, the sweet yoghurt dipping sauce is a new treat. Nepalese momo dumplings are a speciality, and the vegetarian options are great – to be expected in a restaurant where a statue of Buddha watches the restaurant from the counter.
Lebanese Talk of the Town
LEBANESE
446 GLENHUNTLY ROAD, ELSTERNWICK
(03) 9528 6591 • MAP P.303
BYO
OPEN WED–MON NOON–10PM
ENTREES $5–$15, MAINS $10–$24, DESSERTS $3
VISA, MC, EFTPOS
In the twenty-three years it’s been around, Talk of the Town hasn’t seen many changes: the tiny, homely eating hall, the vast bistro-style fridge, the rotating lamb on a spit. The same owners still prepare the salads, dips and delicacies fresh daily – and the Elsternwick locals keep coming in waves. Despite a relentless spree of gentrified ethnic eateries popping up all over Glenhuntly Road, the humble Talk of the Town isn’t any less popular. There’s no grand secret, only fresh, flavoursome and lovingly prepared Middle Eastern standards. Staples like the vine-leaf roll are impeccable, and the tabbouleh here is one of the very best you can get without venturing to Melbourne’s far outer suburbs – from the first aromatic bite, you know it could only have been prepared by an Arab. The mixed grill of shish kebab, kafta (minced lamb), tawook (marinated chicken) and various dips and salad is a safe bet, and a perfect share. Be sure to finish off with a baklawa pastry and thick, black Lebanese coffee. A haven for vegans and meat-eaters alike.
Marmara
TURKISH
68 CHAPEL STREET, WINDSOR
(03) 9510 6944 • MAP P.293
LICENSED & BYO, CORKAGE $5 A BOTTLE
OPEN DAILY 5PM–11PM
ENTREES $6–$11, MAINS $15.50–$22.50, DESSERTS $3–$6
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED, 3% SURCHARGE ON DINERS & AMEX
Turkish cuisine is hard to come by south of the Yarra, but Marmara is still flying the flag – perfect for an after-work feed, a catch-up with mates (without blowing your budget) or just to sample traditional Turkish delicacies. The key to enjoying this place is to look past (as much as possible) the kebab takeaway venture that sits at the front of the establishment. So turn a blind eye, take a seat in their dining room and get ready to embark on a Turkish adventure. The menu is both authentic and extensive. Starting with a selection of homemade traditional dips, such as the patlican esme (eggplant dip), with Turkish bread is well advised. For mains, opt for any of their traditional plates, like the karisik izgara (mixed grill) or kofte. Although the vibe is, um, unusual, the food is delicious, hearty and inexpensive. However, heed this word of warning: stick to traditional Turkish dishes only – anything outside their usual repertoire could be hit-and-miss.
Moti Mahal
INDIAN
230 GLENFERRIE ROAD, MALVERN
(03) 9509 2931 • MAP P.303
WWW.MOTIMAHALRESTAURANT.COM.AU
LICENSED & BYO, CORKAGE $4.50 A HEAD
OPEN SAT–WED 5.30PM–LATE, THURS & FRI NOON–2.30PM, 5.30PM–LATE
ENTREES $6–$14, MAINS $11–$24, DESSERTS $4.50–$5.50
VISA, MC, EFTPOS
Forget KFC and the Colonel. Moti Mahal’s chicken also comes served in a bucket – a silver one, no less – but here’s betting there are more than eleven secret herbs and spices in their traditional balti. Longtime chef Karam Jaryal and his family started dishing up authentic recipes to fellow compatriots homesick for the subcontinent in the early 1980s. Now, the eatery is fast approaching the end of its third decade of serving heartily spiced fare – long enough to earn the welldeserved ‘institution’ tag, along with an award or two. While the decor may be beginning to show the brunt of those years, the scents of incense mingling with charred naan bread and toasted, hand-ground spices soon provide a distraction. The softly lit restaurant is homely, furnished with lived-in rattan armchairs, woodcarvings and gilt-edged frames with images of various Hindu deities. They’ll watch over you as you sop up a chilli-laced sauce with any of Moti Mahal’s nine different versions of basic rice.
My Restaurant & Take Away
ASIAN
186 HIGH STREET, WINDSOR
(03) 9521 4100 • MAP P.293 UNLICENSED
OPEN SUN–THURS NOON–3PM, 5PM–11PM, FRI & SAT 5PM–MIDNIGHT
ENTREES $1.50–$6.90, MAINS $8.90–$12.90, DESSERTS $2.90
VISA, MC, EFTPOS
Embodying all of the good qualities of the Windsor end of Chapel, My Restaurant & Take Away is one of the very best cheap eats the foodie haven has to offer. The tiny, canteenstyle space is always bustling with South Asian clientele (the best tip-off when it comes to ethnic eateries) and the Tamil owners are always eager to please. Though the menu is predominantly Indian, there are frequent nods to Malaysian classics (the mee goreng is richly flavoured and true to tradition) and a bountiful selection of vegetarian options. The roti is more than competent and is crafted passionately in front of your eyes. It complements the huge selection of curries, which, while certainly not the best in Melbourne, are tasty, fragrant and charismatic. The freshly made lassi (a sweet, yoghurt drink) is a must, and is quietly addictive. My Restaurant is a local eatery that has mercifully avoided Chapel Street refurbishment – an authentic, fragrant reminder of the simplicity of a good bite.
Prapaisri
THAI
SHOP 4, 1–3 ST JOHNS AVENUE, SPRINGVALE
(03) 8518 2255 • MAP P.275
BYO
OPEN MON–THURS 11AM–9PM, FRI–SUN 11AM–10PM
ENTREES $6.90–$9.90, MAINS $11.90–$14.90, DESSERTS $1–$4
CASH ONLY
This place makes you feel like you’ve stepped into an establishment on Sukhumvit Road, complete with a portrait of Thailand’s king. The menu offers an overwhelming ninety-odd dishes – entrees cover the usual territory of fish cakes and satay but it’s when you turn to the mains that Prapaisri stands out. Try the sharp and spicy roast duck salad or the peppery seafood stir-fry with a special blend of piquant Thai herbs. Don’t miss the ho mok talay, a spicy steamed custard served in ramekins, each crowned with a large, tender prawn. After baptising your tastebuds in a whirlwind of tangy flavours, it’s compulsory to end your journey with one of their many exotic desserts. The banana leaf triangles are recommended: a sweet treasure trove of steamed rice flour stuffed with fresh coconut shreds and palm sugar. The Thai experience continues with friendly, attentive service, coffee with evaporated milk, and near-Bangkok prices. Despite the lack of alcohol and the slightly spartan interior, you can see why this unassuming yet authentic Thai cafe is popular with the locals.
Red Door Antiques & Yum Cha
CHINESE
1 MCILWRICK STREET, WINDSOR
(03) 9510 9658 • MAP P.293
LICENSED & BYO, CORKAGE $5.50
OPEN TUES & WED 6PM–9PM, THURS–SUN NOON–4PM, 6PM–9PM
ENTREES $6–$9, MAINS $10–$13
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
In a city that is so spoilt for yum cha choice that the vast array of eateries blur into a sea of bamboo steamers and manic kitchens, Red Door is a refreshing breath of character. No two tables (or seats) are the same here – because, in this part dim sum dining, part antique Chinese furniture store, nearly every piece of furniture is up for sale. Walking into the vintage world of Red Door feels like stumbling upon a secret dumpling society. Luckily, the food delivers. Far from your run-of-themill frozen, packaged dumplings, these ones look and taste homemade. The menu pales in comparison to the multi-paged beasts in Chinatown, but what’s there is affordable and done well: the prawn and chive dumplings and barbecue pork buns are particularly tasty. The speed of service can’t match its monolithic competition, but Red Door’s rustic, rickety furniture, handmade dumplings and chic clientele make for an experience far more endearing.
Satsuki Japanese Cafe
JAPANESE
458 WAVERLEY ROAD, MALVERN EAST
(03) 9572 0200 • MAP P.303
Licensed & BYO
OPEN MON NOON–3PM, TUES–SAT NOON–9.30PM
ENTREES $3–$15, MAINS $14–$22, DESSERTS $3.50–$6
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
It’d be easy to walk past Satsuki every day and never see it as anything more than your average suburban sushi joint. But look closer and you’ll notice a steady stream of customers going in and, on balmy nights, sitting outside enjoying the home-style Japanese cuisine. While the surroundings are hardly memorable, the quality and range of the meals are. You’ll find the well-known Japanese dishes as well as a regular rotation of blackboard specials to tempt you away from your usual – succulent thrice-cooked pork belly with lotus roots, seared duck tataki or a hearty serving of translucent sweet potato noodles with sesame beef. The service is friendly and energetic and the food comes out remarkably quickly for a tiny open kitchen. There are a few varieties of Japanese beer, or try the limited range of plum wine and sake. It’s a cosy fifteen-seater restaurant so expect to make friends with your neighbours! As Satsuki is both popular and small, bookings are essential, especially on weekends, but if you miss out, you can always get takeaway.
Uzu
JAPANESE
2 DERBY ROAD, CAULFIELD EAST
(03) 9571 6792 • MAP P.303
UNLICENSED
OPEN MON–FRI 11AM–8.30PM, SAT 11AM–4.30PM
ENTREES $1.50–$5.50, MAINS $8–$15, DESSERTS $2.50
CASH ONLY
Students at Monash University’s Caulfield campus have got it made with this little ripper of a cafe around the corner. And boy, don’t they know it! Come lunchtime, Uzu bursts at the seams like an overstuffed gyoza. With just a few tables and a handful of stools at window-front benches, seating is hotly contested. But don’t let this deter you. Takeaway tastes just as good. It’s always reassuring when an eatery’s kitchen can be seen from the dining area, and Uzu’s hard-working chefs are on full display behind the counter. Kitchen and waitstaff alike appear unfazed by the impatient throngs; meals are served quickly and with a smile. The chef’s special, takoyaki (lip-smacking octopus balls in sweet soy sauce), is perennially popular; fresh sushi rolls hit the spot; and the donburi – particularly the thick, luscious curries – don’t disappoint. The miso soup, crazy-cheap and not nearly as salty as some, should be obligatory. While the menu offers no real surprises, and the decor is nothing special, Uzu’s low prices and great quality keep ’em coming back for more.
Wallah Falafel & Grill
MIDDLE EASTERN
302 CARLISLE STREET, BALACLAVA
(03) 9527 7444 • MAP P.297
LICENSED
OPEN DAILY 10.30AM–9.30PM
ENTREES $5–$14, MAINS $19–$28.50
ALL MAJOR CARDS ACCEPTED
The menu here may look unassuming, but the falafel and dips are among Melbourne’s best kept secrets. Until now! Though the place seems modest enough, the flavours are anything but. Marvellous pita pockets – with incredibly light and fluffy falafel, or meatier options, and a combo of creamy dips and salad – and Wallah’s special burgers are available as takeaway or until 5pm. This no-frills joint gets everything else right, including fast, friendly service for those eating in. There are pages of menu choices. The house-made dip platter best shows off this Middle Eastern beauty, with hummus, tahini, babaganoush, Middle Eastern eggplant and spicy Moroccan tomato chutney, and the fried pastry ‘cigars’ are a worthy inclusion in any meal. Lamb cutlets, chicken schnitzel and shishlik are all hearty mains so you can opt for a half-size tasting plate instead, with kebabs, chicken breast or falafel and dips. And what would a Middle Eastern feast be without tabbouleh or beetroot salad? Stock up on serviettes, though – it may get messy.
TOP 10 DUMPLINGS
Dumplings are not just the domain of the northern Chinese; they come in many forms and from all over the world. Here’s the pick of the bunch from Melbourne’s dumpling doers.
1+1 Dumpling Noodles
84 HOPKINS STREET, FOOTSCRAY
(03) 9687 8988 • LICENSED & BYO
OPEN DAILY 11AM–9.30PM
ENTREES $4–$8, MAINS $6.50–$12, DESSERTS $4–$8
CASH ONLY
North-western Chinese is the focus at 1+1 Dumpling Noodles – meaning lamb, wheat and potato creep into the menu.
Soups come packed with dumplings. You will go home packed with dumplings.
If you live locally you’ll know the decor is shabby, the service is indifferent and the dumplings are to die for.
Camy Shanghai Dumpling
23 Tattersalls Lane, MELBOURNE
(03) 9663 8555 • BYO, corkage $1–$6 a bottle
Open daily 11am–10pm
ENTREES $4.50–$7.80, mains $7–$12, DESSERTS $3–$4
CASH ONLY
The service can be spectacularly indifferent but the hundreds of diners who pack in here every day speak volumes.
The dumplings are served hot, fast, light-skinned and decidedly cheap!
This family-owned and -run Croatian eatery serves njoki – potato dumplings handmade daily and served with a beef ragu or a goat’s cheese and thyme tomato sauce.
You won’t come here for the decor, but you should come for the Four Seasons and dumplings in chilli soup. And while you’re here, try the fresh noodles.
The decidedly lo-fi Dumpling Sisters is ideally located on Exhibition Street for those looking to make a cheap dumpling dash before a show.
Dumplings Plus
269 SWANSTON STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9663 8181 • BYO, CORKAGE $4 A HEAD
OPEN DAILY 10AM–11PM
ENTREES $4–$8, MAINS $8–$25.80, DESSERTS $4–$6
ALL MAJOR CARDS ACCEPTED
A dumpling house with a designer interior is enough to set Dumplings Plus apart, and they also do delicious Shanghai dumplings, buns and handmade noodles.
Purveyors of myriad dumplings made fresh on the premises and before your eyes. HuTong Dumpling Bar fans will say three words about this place: xiao long bao. The soup is on the inside – and your insides will thank you.
Momo Station
SHOP 25, TIVOLI ARCADE, 235–251 BOURKE STREET,
MELBOURNE
0431 052 014 • UNLICENSED
OPEN MON–THURS 10AM–6.30PM, FRI 10.30AM–6.30PM, SAT 11AM–6.30PM • ALL DISHES $6.50–$8.50
CASH ONLY
Dowdy Tivoli Arcade conceals Momo Station from the crowds of Bourke Street. Here you can sample Nepalese dumplings – momos – spiced with cumin and served in broth. These momos are a mini meal and steal under $10.
Wonton House
181 RUSS ELL STREET, MELBOURNE
(03) 9662 9882 • LICENSED & BYO, CORKAGE $2.50 A HEAD
OPEN DAILY 11.30AM–11PM
ENTREES $3–$7.50, MAINS $9.30–$11.20, DESSERTS $3–$7.50
CASH ONLY
Served in a fragrant broth with stringy noodles Hong Kong– style, the wontons here are soft and fluffy and full of flavour.